The 2008 The Alchemist (65% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 10% Tempranillo, and 5% Grenache) possesses an inky/ruby/purple color along with notes of barbecue smoke, asphalt, graphite, blackberries, kirsch, loamy soil, and minerals. Intense and full-bodied as well as impeccably well-balanced, this superb effort coats the palate, but is never heavy or overbearing. It should drink well for a decade or more. Booker Vineyard has quickly established itself as one of the top sites in the Paso Robles region for Rhone varietals. This 40-acre vineyard is planted in limestone soils, just west of Highway 101, and every wine I have tasted since their debut 2005 vintage has been unapologetically Californian in flavor, exuberance, personality, and soul. The current and upcoming releases continue Booker’s Midas touch with these varietals. The red wines are nearly off the chart in terms of their aromatic complexity with stacked and packed personalities as well as brilliant balance. Tel. (805) 237-7367; Fax (805) 237-7368